Over £13,500 has been raised for for two families who have lost everything in a West Cumbrian village fire.
Fire crews are scaling back their response to the fire in the West Cumbrian village of Gosforth, over 11 hours after they were first called.
Initially, 10 fire engines were called to the blaze on Main Street, which had affected the Budgens store and a home behind it, at 6.55am yesterday, Thursday August 15.
At 5.15pm, Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service said: ” We have two appliances and an aerial ladder platform at the site, and our crews will retain this presence throughout the night to monitor the scene, continue to dampen down the site and respond to any hotspots that emerge.”
The road will remain closed to vehicles until this morning at the earliest, Friday, August 16, the fire service said.
Earlier today, people living in Gosforth were advised to keep their windows and doors closed as firefighters continued to battle the blaze.
When it was first called, the fire service also deployed an aerial ladder platform from Barrow, joint incident command unit from Workington, a welfare unit from Staveley and a water bowser from Maryport.
At 3.05pm, Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service said it had five engines and the aerial ladder platform on the scene.
It said everyone was accounted for. No one was injured in the fire.
Gosforth Parish Council has issued an urgent appeal for clothing and shoes due to the situation.
Donations are being accepted at the village’s church and now Megan O’Gorman has launched an online fundraiser to help the families get back on their feet.
It had a £10,000 target and it has so far raised £13,535.
She said: “Homes have been gutted, cherished possessions have been lost, and the heart of our community — the local shop that has served generations — has been gutted.
“We are coming together to raise funds for two families who have been deeply affected.
“These families have not only lost their homes but they have been uprooted, and amidst the chaos, pets have gone missing, and irreplaceable memories have been destroyed.
“While donations of clothing and goods are being accepted at St Mary’s Church in Gosforth, financial support is desperately needed to help these families rebuild their lives from the ground up. Your generous donations will go directly towards helping them as they face the enormous task of rebuilding their lives.
“In times like these, our community’s strength lies in our unity and willingness to help one another. Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a difference. Let’s stand together and support those who have lost so much.”
Three cats are currently missing and people are urged to keep a look out for them and take them in if they can.
